Survivor Tree Back at World Trade Center Site

A pear tree that braved the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center was replanted in the 9/11 Memorial Plaza.
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Survivor Tree Back at World Trade Center Site
Workers look on at a ceremonial planting of the so-called 'Survivor Tree' at the 9/11 Memorial of the World Trade Center site on Dec. 22, 2010. The Callery Pear tree was originally planted in the 1970s at the World Trade Center site. It sustained extensiv (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
12/22/2010
Updated:
10/1/2015
<a><img src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/09/survivortree.jpg" alt="Workers look on at a ceremonial planting of the so-called 'Survivor Tree' at the 9/11 Memorial of the World Trade Center site on Dec. 22, 2010. The Callery Pear tree was originally planted in the 1970s at the World Trade Center site. It sustained extensiv (Mario Tama/Getty Images)" title="Workers look on at a ceremonial planting of the so-called 'Survivor Tree' at the 9/11 Memorial of the World Trade Center site on Dec. 22, 2010. The Callery Pear tree was originally planted in the 1970s at the World Trade Center site. It sustained extensiv (Mario Tama/Getty Images)" width="320" class="size-medium wp-image-1810609"/></a>
Workers look on at a ceremonial planting of the so-called 'Survivor Tree' at the 9/11 Memorial of the World Trade Center site on Dec. 22, 2010. The Callery Pear tree was originally planted in the 1970s at the World Trade Center site. It sustained extensiv (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

NEW YORK—A pear tree that braved the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center was replanted in the 9/11 Memorial Plaza by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, city officials, and 9/11 survivors on Wednesday.

The tree had suffered significant damage during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks but remarkably survived. It was discovered under the piles of rubble in October 2001, visibly in bad shape with dead branches and a blackened trunk.

The tree was subsequently transferred to the Parks Department’s Arthur Ross Nursery in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, where it was nursed back to health. While the tree was only eight feet tall when it was found in 2001, it has since grown to a height of about 30 feet.

“The presence of the Survivor Tree on the Memorial Plaza will symbolize New York City’s and this nation’s resilience after the attacks,” stated Mayor Bloomberg in a press release. “Like the thousands of courageous stories of survival that arose from the ashes of the World Trade Center, the story of this tree also will live on and inspire many.”

The Survivor Tree will be among dozens of swamp white oak trees planted at the Memorial Plaza. When the project is complete, about 400 trees will line the remembrance site. Currently, 124 trees, including the Survivor Tree, are planted in the area.

“This stalwart pear tree is a living symbol for everyone who survived the terrorist attacks and everyone around the world who has shown strength and resilience in the face of devastation,” said Joe Daniels, president of the 9/11 Memorial Foundation. “I’m grateful to all of the dedicated people who worked to nurse this tree back to health, allowing millions of future 9/11 Memorial visitors to experience its beauty and power.”

During the ceremony, the mayor also announced completion of the structural steel work on the Museum Pavilion. Almost 1,200 tons of structural steel make up the building’s primary steel installation. The pavilion, designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, is located between the twin acre-sized reflecting pools in the northeast section of the Memorial Plaza.